length

13 Days

difficulty

Strenuous

trip cost

from $4995 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

13 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Strenuous

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $4995 pp

Guided Trip

our walk expert

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • On the trail
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • LOCATIONS ON THE TMB
  • Your leaders
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

The Mont Blanc Circuit

This adventure combines three countries into one trip as we cross the rugged Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland then back into France. The spectacular Mont Blanc Circuit is one of the world’s classic hikes and demands some respect. From the massif of Mont Blanc (4810m – the highest mountain in Western Europe), seven valleys extend into France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trek around Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s best mountain walks. You’ll get a chance to appreciate the different cultures, foods, and people while you hike through glorious Alpine scenery.

Each valley retains its own unique culture, architecture, and landscape and it’s through these valleys you will hike. Each day we hike up to the ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountain meadows and snow-capped peaks.

This trip is guaranteed to depart with just 4 people and maximum of 12.

Yellow hiker icon We are Australia’s most trusted company for guided TMB trips and have been operating in the European Alps for more than 10 years! 

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Highlights

Get Ready For

  • One of the world’s best mountain treks
  • Three countries in one trip: France, Italy and Switzerland
  • Glorious alpine scenery and friendly wildlife encounters
  • Culinary delights and fascinating history
  • Small group travel with like-minded walkers
  • Experienced international mountain leader

Download Itinerary

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On the trail

The experience

The Mont Blanc Circuit is spectacularly varied; no two days are alike in terms of scenery and conditions. The trail is well-defined. There are intermittent signposts at various junctions. On selected days, some route variations are on offer. The terrain can vary from narrow dirt paths and rock trails on the mountain sections, to unsealed or tarmac roads in the valleys. The passes involve long ascents and descents but typically the gradients are fairly gradual with some steeper sections. The day above Chamonix is an exception where steep climbing is required to ascend to the Grand Balcon. A reasonably good level of walking fitness is required to complete all the days of the Circuit. See our Training and Destination guides for more detail.

Itinerary

Daily details

important info

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very popular walk and refuges are sometimes overbooked. This is just a guide to the route and details may change and the actual refuges booked may vary from what is written here, dependent on client numbers, wishes, and availability. This adjustment with refuges may alter the exact distance walked in a day so the above itinerary should be used as an indication of overnight stops/distances.

Accommodation: We use long-established family run 2-star (equivalent) rustic hotels and refuges, which we have chosen for their stunning locations. Most offer spectacular mountain views. They are representative of the country, culture and environment in which they are located; all are clean, well-run and set up with the trekker in mind. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as hikers from many nationalities gather to spend the night. Room sizes (twin, double or very occasionally triple or quadruple rooms) and facilities will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room in the same hotel. On some nights, facilities are ensuite while others have the possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and toilet facilities. Some nights you may be in triple or quad share dependent on tour selected.

DAY 1: ARRIVE CHAMONIX

The afternoon is free for you to explore the town and its amazing mountain surroundings. Take a cable car up the famous Aguille de Midi for spectacular views over the Alps or relax in the many street cafes offering excellent cuisine. You will meet with your leader at 5pm in the hotel for a briefing to go over the trip and you then have a chance to get any last-minute items you may need for your hike. Tonight we will eat dinner at the hotel.

Meals: D

Day 2: TREK CHAMONIX TO LES HOUCHES (13KM, 5 hours)

To start the tour what better viewpoint than the Brevent. We get there via the Col du Brevent having taken the cable car to Planpraz. From the summit (2525 m), the view of the Mont Blanc is incomparable. However, we have to descend and we hike via Bel Lachat and Merlet.

Ascent 525m / Descent 1400m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: TREK LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES (18KM, 7 hours)

Starting by the Col de Bellevue, from where there are great views of the Aiguille du Gouter. A charming traverse passes right at the foot of the Bionnassay Glacier. A bridge across a river and we then ascend up to the Col du Tricot (2120m). From where a zigzagging path leads us down to the Chalets de Miage before descending down to the Val Montjoie. In poor weather, your guide may decide to use another route via Bionassay instead. Overnight in Les Contamines.

Ascent 1478m / Descent 1318m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: TREK LES CONTAMINES TO LES CHAPIEUX (19KM, 7 hours)

From the village of Les Contamines, we will walk up to the Col du Bonhomme. The path at this stage leads gently up the valley to the beautiful church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, which will be a picturesque rest stop. The track that was originally constructed by the Romans is roughly paved with large slabs and flagstones. Once past the church, the path winds steeply through pines beside a narrow gorge, where the blue-tinged waters of the Torrent de Tré la Tête boil and thunder between smooth rock walls. We leave the Val Montjoie to cross over to the Beaufortain Valley via the high Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We arrive at Les Chapieux via the Petit Mont Blanc pasture. Accommodation this evening is in a remote location and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Ascent 1316m / Descent 929m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: TREK LES CHAPIEUX TO VAL VENY (14KM, 5–6 hours)

A short shuttle bus transfer brings us to Ville des Glaciers (1789m). We reach the Val d’Aosta via the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and from there we see a most imposing view of the south face of the Mont Blanc. A path leads us around the Limestone Pyramids to reach the moraine of the Estelette Glacier and the nearby Refugio Elizabetta. From here we continue onwards down the valley to our overnight stop, by the glacial Lacs de Miage (a well-known local beauty spot).

Today, there is no luggage transfer possible. You will be self-supporting for this night and will be reunited with your baggage in Courmayeur tomorrow. We recommend travelling as light as possible – just a change of clothes and a toothbrush! Accommodation is in a remote location and bathroom facilities will be shared. Basic dorm style rooms will be single sex and offered on a triple or quad share basis.

Ascent 850m / Descent 600m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: VAL VENY - COURMAYEUR (12KM, 5 hours)

Today is a slightly shorter day to Courmayeur and a chance to relax and take in the views from the terrace in the morning. We start with an ascent to the Arp Vielle and then on to Col Chercrouit (1956m) and descend from there to the village of Dolonne and then Courmayeur.

Ascent 450m / Descent 1300m

Meals: B, L
Dinner is not included this evening.

Day 7: REST DAY IN COURMAYEUR

Today you have a full day to explore this Italian Alpine town, enjoy an espresso in one off the street cafes or take the incredible cable car ride from Le Palud to the point Helbronner at 3470m. There is also an excellent thermal bath and spa at Pre St Didier, just 5km away (regular buses). Or you could take a trip to the provincial capital of Aosta (1 hour by bus) with its Roman remains and medieval streets. Your leader will be able to offer some suggestions.

Meals: B

Day 8 : TREK COURMAYEUR TO ITALIAN VAL FERRET (12KM, 6–8 hours)

Leaving from the hamlet of Villair (1340m) is a charming forested ascent to the Bertone refuge, then over a crest dominating the Val Ferret we get to Tete Bernada (2534m), we are at the summit of one of the most beautiful lookouts on the whole Tout du Mont Blanc. There is also an alternative path which runs on the flank of the mountain to Refuge Bonatti on a glorious contouring trail with flower meadows, milky streams and clanging cowbells while descending into the Italian Val Ferret. Accommodation this evening is in a remote location and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Ascent 900m or 1300m / Descent 550m or 950m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: TREK ITALIAN VAL FERRET TO LA FOULY (20KM, 8 hours)

This day starts with an easy walk up the valley to Refugio Elena where the most demanding climb to the pass begins. The ascent to the Col Ferret (2537m) is steep but enjoyable. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret takes you out of Italy and into Switzerland along the eastern edge of the Mont Blanc Range. There are a few streams to cross today. The walk down into the Swiss Val Ferret is through pastureland and on a mixture of paths, tracks and through valaisan pastures to the charming village of La Fouly (1595m) where we will stay overnight. Accommodation is in a remote location and bathroom facilities will be shared. Luggage transfers are also not included on this day so you will need to carry a spare set of base layer clothes and basic toiletries for the night.

Ascent 895m / Descent 1410m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: TRANSFER LA FOULY TO CHAMPEX, TREK TO TRIENT (16KM, 6 hours)

The classic Tour du Mont Blanc takes the Bovine route. This part of the trail passes near meadows, forests and high alpine pastures up to the simple alp building of the working dairy farm Bovine that overlooks the Rhône Valley. An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest and we are hanging over the Rhone valley and the town of Martigny. You will not be disappointed with this fabulous balcony and views of far-ranging mountains.

Take a moment to enjoy spectacular views across to the Bernese Alps before a very pleasant and mostly downhill woodland walk that will take you to Col de La Forclaz. Then its 45 minutes of steep downhill into Trient.

There is a possible variation via the Fenêtre d’Arpette d’Arpette (2671m). This is the highest pass of the Tour du Mont Blanc at (2665m) and a tough climb up a valley and rocky slopes to reach the pass – reckoned by many to be the hardest part of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Ascent 800m or 1199m / Descent 950m or 1139m

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation this evening is in a remote location and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Day 11: TREK TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE (13KM, 6 hours)

The walk up to the Col de Balme (2131m) via les Herbageres brings us back into France. A long but gradual ascent up to the Col De Balme with its picturesque refuge on the pass that marks the border with France. Superb Views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley stretched before you. Returning to the Chamonix Valley from here is a very pleasant walk. Col de La Balme is the furthest point from the summit of Mont Blanc. Enjoy panoramic views of lovely snow domes that will remain in sight for most of the descent into Argentiere.

Ascent 1069m / Descent 900m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: ARGENTIERE TO CHAMONIX (13KM, 5–8 hours)

From Argentiere we climb up to Cheserys, a balcony offering grandiose views; the glaciers of le Tour, Argentiere, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille verte, the Drus , the Aiguilles de Chamonix and of course Mont Blanc dominating all these mountain marvels. We expect to add a slice of wildlife to this day as a reward for our efforts, as ibex are common here. The trek ends at Flegere, where we return to Chamonix by cable car in the afternoon. Your mountain leader may modify the itinerary if conditions necessitate.

Ascent 850m or 1100m / Descent 400m or 500m

Meals: B, L
Dinner is not included this evening.

Day 13: DEPART CHAMONIX

The trip finishes today and you are free to stay on or you can transfer by private vehicle or shared transfer this morning from Chamonix to Geneva airport (not included in trip price).

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • 2 nights in comfortable Chamonix hotel with breakfast
  • 10 nights accommodation in hotels and mountain refuges with private rooms (limited allocation of rooms in one refuge)
  • An experienced and qualified English speaking mountain leader
  • Small group max 12 people
  • Daily meals as outlined above
  • Picnics for lunch
  • 2 lift tickets where needed
  • Luggage transfers on all but 2 trekking days
  • Farewell dinner in Chamonix 
Excluded
  • Flights to/from your destination
  • Local bus and train tickets
  • Lunch not included on day 7 (rest day)
  • Dinners not included on days 6, 7 and 12
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplement
AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Chamonix Valley Transfers is our preferred partner and bookings can be made via their website: https://chamonix-valley-transfers.co.uk/book/

This is pick up and drop off at the airport in Geneva to our base hotel in Chamonix.

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LOCATIONS ON THE TMB

Explore

CHAMONIX

This town is dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc massif with tumbling glaciers visible from the main street. There are many attractions including the Aguille Du Midi cablecar with its stupendous views and restaurant, the glacier express railway, and whitewater rafting right in the town. Plus Europe’s best selection of outdoor gear shops along its attractive streets.

 

LES HOUCHES

A small town situated at 1000 metres of altitude and lying at the foot of Mont-Blanc (4810m), Les Houches offers an exceptional panorama of the peaks surrounding Chamonix

 

LES CONTAMINES

Les Contamines is a small village which boast a beautiful Baroque church in the nearby wooded valley and a Roman Bridge on the TMB Trail which leads to the Col du Bon Homme.

LES CHAPIEUX

Is a tiny Hamlet consisting of a few buildings, which lies at the base of the Col Du Bon Homme and is one of the last stops in France before you cross to Italy

COL DE LA SEIGNE

This is the pass which straddles the border between France and Italy and give fantastic views of the flanks of Mont Blanc and the long valley descent to Courmayeur.

COURMAYEUR

The walk from the Col de Seigne 2516m down into Italy is truly breathtaking, passing the high Refuge Elisabetta and soaring mountain spires. The Italian ski town of Courmayeur provides a welcome taste of civilisation at the midway point of the trek.

RIFUGIO BONATTI

Named after the famous Italian Alpinist, Walter Bonatti, this refuge has an idyllic location on the flanks of the mountain perfect for a lunch time picnic.

 

 

 

LA FOULY

Your first stop in Switzerland lives up to the hype – the picture-perfect scenery of the Val Ferret is hard to overstate. La Fouly sits at the head of a verdant forested valley, populated by small hamlets of old Swiss wooden chalets. It is one of the most enjoyable sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

CHAMPEX

Champex is a village located in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais and one of our overnight stops on the TMB. The village lies at 1,470 metres on the shore of Lac de Champex, at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is a starting point for many hikes into the surrounding mountains and huts. 

 

 

 

TRIENT

Trient is a small village in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The last stop in Switzerland before heading over the Col de Balme back into France. 

ARGENTIERE

Laid-back Argentière attracts hikers, mountain bikers and fans of all kinds of winter sport activities alike. Traditional architecture, baroque church and 19th century chapel but also to its amazing location at the foot of the impressive Argentière Glacier and legendary peaks such as the Aiguille Verte

Mont Blanc IML

Your leaders

International Mountain Leaders

We have our own staff of experienced and qualified International Mountain Leaders. Not only do they know the trek routes exceptionally well but they will excel in looking after you; your safety is our priority in an alpine environment. All our guides are native English speakers, so clear communication is never an issue.

Meet & find more about our leaders here

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Exclusive Guide

get inspired

Our comprehensive Destination Guide is bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, background information and more! Essential reading to help you plan, prepare and enjoy a memorable trip in the Alps.

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TRIP date selection

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Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

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21/06/2023 - 03/07/2023
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09/07/2023 - 21/07/2023
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26/07/2023 - 07/08/2023
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06/09/2023 - 18/09/2023
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